methimazole

Pronunciation:	me THIM a zole
Brand:	Tapazole

What is the most important information I should know about methimazole?

Do not take methimazole if you are breast-feeding a baby.

Do not use this medication without telling your doctor if you are pregnant. It could cause harm to the unborn baby. Use an effective form of birth control, and tell your doctor if you become pregnant during treatment.

Methimazole can increase your risk of bleeding. If you need to have surgery, tell the surgeon ahead of time that you are using this medication.

Methimazole can lower the blood cells that help your body fight infections. This can make it easier for you to get sick from being around others who are ill. To be sure your blood cells do not get too low, your blood will need to be tested on a regular basis. Do not miss any scheduled visits to your doctor.

Do not receive a "live" vaccine while you are being treated with methimazole, and avoid coming into contact with anyone who has recently received a live vaccine. There is a chance that the virus could be passed on to you.

Keep using this medication even if you feel fine or have no symptoms of hyperthyroidism. You may need to keep taking methimazole long term to control your condition. Stopping the medication could cause your symptoms to return.

What is methimazole?

Methimazole prevents the thyroid gland from producing too much thyroid hormone.

Methimazole is used to treat hyperthyroidism (overactive thyroid). It is also used before thyroid surgery or radioactive iodine treatment.

Methimazole may also be used for purposes other than those listed in this medication guide.

What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before taking methimazole?

Do not use this medication if you are allergic to methimazole.

Before taking methimazole, tell your doctor if you are allergic to any drugs, or if you have:

liver disease;
a blood cell disorder; or
a weak immune system.

If you have any of these conditions, you may not be able to use methimazole, or you may need dosage adjustments or special tests during treatment.

FDA pregnancy category D. This medication can cause harm to an unborn baby. Do not use methimazole without your doctor's consent if you are pregnant. Tell your doctor if you become pregnant during treatment. Use an effective form of birth control while you are using this medication.

Methimazole can pass into breast milk and may harm a nursing baby. Do not use methimazole if you are breast-feeding a baby.

How should I take methimazole?

Take this medication exactly as it was prescribed for you. Do not take the medication in larger amounts, or take it for longer than recommended by your doctor. Follow the directions on your prescription label.

Take methimazole with a full glass of water.

Methimazole can be taken with or without food, but you should take it the same way each time.

Methimazole can increase your risk of bleeding. If you need to have any type of surgery, tell the surgeon ahead of time that you are using this medication.

It is important to use methimazole regularly to get the most benefit. Get your prescription refilled before you run out of medicine completely.

Store methimazole at room temperature away from moisture and heat.

What happens if I miss a dose?

Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and take the medicine at your next regularly scheduled time. Do not take extra medicine to make up the missed dose.

What happens if I overdose?

Seek emergency medical attention if you think you have used too much of this medicine.

Symptoms of a methimazole overdose may include nausea, vomiting, upset stomach, headache, joint pain, fever, itching, swelling, or pale skin and easy bruising or bleeding.

What should I avoid while taking methimazole?

Avoid being near with people who have colds, the flu, or other contagious illnesses. Contact your doctor at once if you develop signs of infection.

What are the possible side effects of methimazole?

Get emergency medical help if you have any of these signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficulty breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.

Stop taking methimazole and call your doctor at once if you have any of these serious side effects:

fever, chills, sore throat, body aches, flu symptoms;
easy bruising or bleeding, unusual weakness;
blood in your urine or stools;
severe blistering, peeling, and red skin rash; or
nausea, stomach pain, low fever, loss of appetite, dark urine, clay-colored stools, jaundice (yellowing of the skin or eyes).

Keep taking methimazole and talk with your doctor if you have any of these less serious side effects:

headache, drowsiness, dizziness;
mild nausea, vomiting, or stomach upset;
itching, minor skin rash;
muscle, joint, or nerve pain;
swelling; or
hair loss.

Side effects other than those listed here may also occur. Talk to your doctor about any side effect that seems unusual or that is especially bothersome.

What other drugs will affect methimazole?

Before taking methimazole, tell your doctor if you are using any of the following drugs:

theophylline (Theo-Dur, Elixophyllin, Uniphyl, and others);
a blood thinner such as warfarin (Coumadin);
digoxin (digitalis, Lanoxin); or
a beta-blocker such as acebutolol (Sectral), atenolol (Tenormin), betaxolol (Kerlone), bisoprolol (Zebeta), carteolol (Cartrol), carvedilol (Coreg), esmolol (Brevibloc), labetalol (Normodyne, Trandate), metoprolol (Lopressor, Toprol), nadolol (Corgard), penbutolol (Levatol), pindolol (Visken), propranolol (Inderal, InnoPran), sotalol (Betapace), or timolol (Blocadren).

If you are using any of these drugs, you may not be able to use methimazole, or you may need dosage adjustments or special tests during treatment.

There may be other drugs not listed that can affect methimazole. Tell your doctor about all the prescription and over-the-counter medications you use. This includes vitamins, minerals, herbal products, and drugs prescribed by other doctors. Do not start using a new medication without telling your doctor.

Where can I get more information?

Your pharmacist has information about methimazole written for health professionals that you may read.

What does my medication look like?

Methimazole is available with a prescription under the brand name Tapazole. Other brand or generic formulations may also be available. Ask your pharmacist any questions you have about this medication, especially if it is new to you.

Tapazole 5 mg-white, round, scored tablets
Tapazole 10 mg-white, round, scored tablets

Remember, keep this and all other medicines out of the reach of children, never share your medicines with others, and use this medication only for the indication prescribed.

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